What is a Gravatar, and Why Should I Have One?

Should you have a Gravatar? That would be a yes; especially if you intend on making even one little comment on the internet, playing online video games or even voting on American Idol. Why? Because it’s about first impressions, and a Gravatar gives you a chance to make a good one; hopefully one that people remember. Plus, it’s quick and easy. Let’s look at what a Gravatar is, how to get one, and how to do it right.

What is a Gravatar
A Gravatar is a Globally Recognized AVATAR. Get it G + R + Avatar = Gravatar. It’s globally recognized because millions of people and websites, like WinningAgent, use them.

What is an Avatar?
An Avatar is a small picture or image that is used to represent you or your business. Using the same picture or image helps people to recognize you and create a following. It also gives you credibility. It is often the first impression that people see, so make it count – that is make it a good first impression.

How does it work?
Easily and without you having to do anything. Once you have set up your account, it works in the background. Websites, blogs and forums have coding that enable them to retrieve your Gravatar and information by using your email address. When you enter your email address on a website that uses Gravatars it pulls your Globally Recognized Avatar and information from the Gravatar servers, and presto – your picture or image appears next to your name and comment.

Why do I need a Gravatar?
In many ways we have already covered that; brand recognition, the ability to link to your website and other personal information are certainly enough to say “get it done now.” Let’s look at it more from a visual response. Here are two comments that were left on WinningAgent. One has a Gravatar and one does not. Which one would you take more seriously? Does one look more like spam than the other? If your client was reviewing the same page you left a comment on, which one would make it easier to recognize you? In all cases, the one with the Gravatar!

Comment with no Gravatar

Comment with a Gravatar

How do I get a Gravatar?
Getting a Gravatar is easy and takes very little time. All you need is the email you plan on using and your picture or image. Once you have these items head on over to the Gravatar website and start the process by entering your email address.

What should my Gravatar look like?
If you are representing yourself, it should be a picture of you. If you are speaking on behalf of a business, nonprofit, corporation, or other entity use your logo. Do you use business attire or wear a t-shirt? That depends on how you want your clients to see you. It also depends on your personality. If you never dress in business clothing, don’t squeeze yourself into the glass slipper that doesn’t fit; your clients and friends won’t recongize you, and neither will you for that matter.

Does a Gravatar require regular maintenance?
In a word no. Once you have set up your Gravatar it will continue to work indefinitely. The only time you will need to log back into the Gravatar settings page is to change your “Avatar” or information.

Try it now. Leave a comment below; just say “Hi” and “I’ll be right back after I get my Gravatar.” Go get your Gravatar and when you return, presto, your blank space below will not be the picture you set up. Give it a try, it only takes a few mintutes.

Do you wish everyone would get a Gravatar? Give a shout out (via twitter) to those that don’t have one and tell them “It’s time to get a Gravatar!”

P. S. (post script)
Here is a neat little ditty made by the folks at Gravatar. It’s worth the 1:23 it takes to watch it, plus the guy has a cool accent (I am of course assuming you are not from across the pond).